So, how are you doing so far with your New Year’s Resolutions? Do you need to motivate yourself more in 2016?

If you aren’t doing as well as you hoped, do not fear – you’re not alone. Research indicates that 80% of New Year’s Resolutions fail by the second week.

The reality is, most people try to make too big a change, and they really aren’t ready to do what’s necessary to stay on track. In this week’s Audio Coach, I give some suggestions on how to keep your goals manageable. But first, you need to be motivated to make the changes necessary to reach your goals.

As a coach, many clients look to me to motivate them to do what they need in order to be successful. However, my role is to help them find the motivation within themselves. Unfortunately, when you’re low on energy, it can be hard to get the motivation to do anything. So, if you know you need to make some changes, but you’re feeling burned out and exhausted, how can you get the spark you need so you don’t end up like the other 80%?

Depending on your situation, there are probably many things you can do to get back on track. One of the first things I recommend is to revisit exactly what it is you will gain by accomplishing these things.

• What is the main benefit of finishing your degree?
• What will you gain in your life when you lose weight?
• What are the personal and professional benefits of developing a better work-life balance?

Now, when you first ask any of these questions, you probably have a quick and easy answer. But, that’s just the start. Dig deeper and identify the root of your desire for change. At the root, you’ll find an emotion that is tied to your goal. When you find that emotion, you find your strongest motivation. “You may come up with answers such as:

• I want to finish my degree so I can get a better job and feel good confident that I can support my family.
• I want to lose weight so I can enjoy the time I spend playing with my kids without getting winded.
• I want a better work-life balance so I am less stressed and can simply be happy with my life.

Motivation is something that comes from within you. No one can have it for you. So, identify what the end result feels like once your goal is achieved, and keep that at the forefront of everything you do. Keep yourself on track by posting a reminder on your computer, or putting up a photo that reminds you what the end benefit will be as you are working towards your goal.

The more you keep your eye on the prize, the more motivated you will be. The more motivated you are, the more quickly your goals will be attained. So, motivate yourself in 2016 and watch your dreams become realities.